Five years ago, on May 1, 2004, the Czech Republic, along with nine other
countries joined the EU, fulfilling one of the country’s main foreign
policy goals and marking a symbolic return to the European fold.

Accession talks started back in 1998 and the process of preparing for
membership involved an overhaul of the country’s legislation and the
gradual adoption of EU norms in all spheres of life. In a referendum held
on June 13 -14, 2003 an overwhelming 77 percent of Czechs voted in favour
of their country joining the EU.

December 21, 2007 brought another important milestone – the Czech
Republic and eight other EU members joined the Schengen border free-zone.
The lifting of border controls created a vast border-free zone for 400
million Europeans in 24 countries and was hailed as an important step to a
one-tier Europe. Czechs could finally enjoy the long-sought privilege of
free movement within the EU.

On January 1st of 2009 the Czech Republic took over the rotating
presidency of the Council of the European Union, the second newcomer state
after Slovenia to do so.

27 member statesPopulation: 496 million - c. 7.5% of the world populationArea: 4.314 million km2

The Czech EU presidency (January 1 – June 30)

Motto: „Europe without Barriers“

The Czech Republic took over the rotating EU presidency from France on
January 1st for a six month term that will involve dealing with pressing
issues such as the global economic crisis and renewed conflict in the
Middle East.

For a relatively new member of the 27-member bloc, bearing responsibility
for the functioning of the Council of Europe presents a big challenge. It
entails organizing and chairing around three hundred events on various
levels. The presiding country also represents the Council of Europe at
sessions of the European Parliament, the European Commission and various
institutions outside the European Union.

Important decisions lie ahead as regards the functioning of the 27-member
block: elections will take place in June to the European Parliament, while
the mandate of the European Commission is due to expire. On top of all
this, the fate of the Lisbon treaty hangs in the balance.

The Czech motto for the EU presidency is “Europe without Barriers” and
the country has outlined a number of priorities: supporting competitiveness
and a liberal trade policy, opening a European debate on nuclear safety,
accentuating particular foreign policy and security issues such as the
development of transatlantic relations, the Western Balkans and Eastern
Europe, and helping to mediate a consensus on the future EU budget.

Radio Prague will of course be covering various aspects of the historic
first Czech EU presidency.